The Senate GOP caucus is delaying the vote in part because the outcome of Stevens' reelection race against Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich remains in doubt.

South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint - a leading Republican critic of Stevens - issued a statement saying it is "clear there are sufficient votes to pass the resolution... The question now is timing. Some who support the resolution believe we should address this after the results of his election are confirmed in Alaska."

DeMint stated that he would ask the GOP Conference to postpone the vote on Sen. Stevens until Thursday.

One Republican senator told CNN there is no point in holding any vote to strip Stevens of his committee assignments if Stevens loses his seat.

Begich currently has a narrow lead over Stevens, with 47.37 percent of the votes counted, compared to 47.02 percent for Stevens. The two are separated by 1,022 votes out of more than 290,000 cast, according to the Alaska Division of Elections Web site.

Today, 24,000 outstanding votes from the southern part of Alaska are expected to be counted. Absentee ballots, however, are still coming in from overseas. All absentee ballots must be received by tomorrow.

Stevens, who turns 85 Tuesday, was convicted in October of filing false statements on Senate financial disclosure forms. He currently serves on the Senate Appropriations, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Rules committees.

soundoff(79 Responses)

Will18E

Lack of leadership and accountability by the GOP.
Steven's today, is the sitting Senator from Alaska, today, yesterday, and tomorrow. The outcome of the senate race in Alaska has nothing to to do with the 110th congress. Why are they waiting? Can't they do there job?
What is it that the GOP does not understand about being fond guilty in a court of law. They have to honor.

November 18, 2008 03:30 pm at 3:30 pm |

R Scott

Maybe DeMint should ban himself from the senate. Because the GOP doesn't have clue as to what to do to solve problems all they do is blame others and spout negative rhetoric and will never accept the blame for their mistakes and failed policies. Also we need to govern according to the constitution a great document that was written by the people and for the people and means all people and not by the bible, which was also written by man.

November 18, 2008 03:31 pm at 3:31 pm |

jack

I hear that Ted is already asking around for a contractor to renovate his new prison cell. I wonder how many years that charge will add to his new sentence?

November 18, 2008 03:40 pm at 3:40 pm |

chuck

A man does not turn a thief overnight,I'm certain he was engaged in this kind of deals before.He must have learnt well from Bush and Cheney. This old fellow should be checked out along with Sarah Palin and her husband as to where did they get all that money from to build their mansion? Alaska needs to be put in more capable hands.A thief and an Idiot will be a great downfall for this State.